From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

“The Butterfly Effect” officially began filming —

More smoothly than imagined.

The two novice directors, McKee and Eric, both screenwriters by trade, were feeling their way forward.

They weren't complete amateurs with absolutely no ideas about film. During the long period of repeatedly revising the script and eagerly awaiting an opportunity, the two had conceived scenes more than once, building a cinematic world in their minds, transforming their words into real images.

There was still some distance between imagination and practice. All they needed was some time and patience, and that was all.

Exploring while filming.

Collaborating while researching.

And surprisingly, they slowly got on the right track.

The most important and valuable point was that McKee and Eric also knew how precious the actors were. Anson's respect and trust earned their reciprocation, and they were also willing to give the actors more room to perform —

Not much, just a little was enough.

In front, the three actors, led by Anson, were rehearsing their blocking, demonstrating the actions and emotional flow of the entire scene to ensure the accuracy of the performance.

This scene, Anson, Heath, and Rachel had already filmed six times. Besides the four takes that were NG'd, the two takes that were successfully completed were not disputed by the two directors, McKee and Eric. They thought it was good, but the three actors disagreed, always feeling it wasn't smooth enough.

In fact, this was the key scene they had discussed before —

Tommy comes to make trouble, and because Rachel defends Evan, he loses his mind, attempts to kill Evan in a suicidal rage, but provokes Evan, causing Evan to retaliate in anger, accidentally killing him in the process.

From a framework and outline perspective, they had completed the sorting. The emotional journeys and state transitions of the three characters had formed a perfect loop. Through performance, they were constantly refining and adjusting, and finally successfully completed filming.

At least two successful takes.

So, what was still lacking?

“Don't look at me, I don't know either.”

Eric didn't understand at all and could only cast a look of help towards McKee; but obviously, this time McKee didn't understand either, his face full of innocence.

Eric couldn't help but mutter beside him.

McKee ignored Eric, his attention still highly focused.

He believed that Anson wouldn't blindly mess around. If Anson insisted so much, there must be Anson's reason; moreover, he noticed something:

All along, he had been loyal to the script. He believed that the camera should be used to show the plot, such as character relationships or dramatic conflicts, etc. This was his background as a screenwriter and a major advantage as a director. He didn't want to change his nature casually.

After all, if you can't even walk steadily, but you dream of spreading your wings and flying high, then the ending will be a bruised face and swollen nose, or even shattered bones.

But now, he realized that the camera could also be used to capture the state —

Explaining it in detail would be very complicated, but McKee found a simple way: the camera only needs to follow Anson. When the light and shadow lock on Anson, they can naturally capture the details lacking in the script, perfectly filling the gaps in the transformation of words into images, forming a picture.

To be more precise, not just Anson, Heath and Rachel are the same.

McKee knew he wasn't professional enough. He didn't know anything about camera movement or composition. It seemed that he just lacked that kind of talent in his brain; but he knew that as long as he paid attention to the changes in the actors' states, it would be enough.

So, McKee was observing, ensuring that he wouldn't miss the key points.

Then.

“Eric……”

“Eric!”

“Get ready.”

McKee noticed that Anson and the others had finished talking, and called out to his partner repeatedly.

“This time, pay attention to the eyes. Keep the camera flowing, wherever their eyes look, the camera follows, ensuring the fullness of the whole tension.”

Eric: … …

In Eric's view, the actors' performances and the interpretation of the plot were already perfect, and there was really no need to continue wasting energy on it; even if they continued filming, there wouldn't be any huge changes anyway.

So much so that Eric was a little casual.

McKee knew at once that Eric was being lazy, and kicked the leg of Eric's stool.

“Eric!”

“Ah!”

“Cheer up.”

“……%@%#\u0026$.”

It's not clear what Eric said, but McKee looked up ahead, met Anson's gaze, gave a smile, and made an OK gesture.

“No problem, ready?”

McKee cleared his throat, lowered his voice, and said quickly to the right.

“Eric, we worry that the actors won't work hard, we worry that the crew won't cooperate. Before filming started, we imagined countless terrible possibilities; now we are simply living in the most perfect imagination. We have the opportunity to create a truly brilliant work.”

Eric took a deep breath and didn't directly respond to McKee's words.

“I'm awake. I'm awake!”

McKee: … …

One second, two seconds, the entire crew was ready —

Completely focused.

As McKee said, the crew members were originally a little lazy and full of worry.

Judging from all the signs, this might just be a small project that wouldn't make a splash. Having Anson in charge, they didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing; so, this was just a quick buck. They would work silently and then turn around and forget about it, refusing to admit any relationship with the film.

Anyway, there are hundreds of such projects in Hollywood every year.

However, the actual situation completely subverted their imagination.

The focus and dedication shown by Anson made the filming process full of fun. Not only Anson, but other actors also showed enthusiasm. Different positions and different specialties seemed to have found their own space to show their skills. Before they realized it, they were already 100% invested —

Putting in unimaginable effort and energy.

Maybe they should be more active.

Maybe teamwork can really spark some chemistry?

Maybe “The Butterfly Effect” won't become a work they refuse to admit.

Quietly, a possibility began to emerge, then took root and sprouted, and gradually changed their mindset, and things were already quietly different.

Sometimes, work is just work; but sometimes it's not. Work can also be a struggle and immersion full of enthusiasm and passion.

The scene being filmed in front of them is a typical example.

People couldn't help but become curious about what Anson, Heath, and Rachel were looking for.

Lights, in position.

Sound, in position.

Camera, in position.

Everything, ready.

“…Seventh take, action.”

Night, all is quiet.

Evan was escorting Kaylee back to the dorm, and both of them were a little tired.

Originally, everything was good. They had finally found long-lost happiness and joy; but Tommy violently destroyed Evan's vehicle, and ominous signs were growing again.

Evan was worried that the tragedy of the past would be repeated, but Kaylee didn't understand Evan at all, because the shadows Evan described had never happened. Seeing Evan's anxiety, Kaylee also became nervous.

A little tired. A little confused.

Worse, a little overdrawn.

“…Tonight, I want to be alone.”

Kaylee said, she wanted to be quiet.